Ralph Allen, Mount Pulaski High School Educator of the Quarter, with Abigail Fitzpatrick, the student who nominated him.

Mount Pulaski High School Agriculture teacher, Ralph Allen, chosen 'Educator of the Quarter'

 

[May 10, 2016]  MOUNT PULASKI - Ralph Allen, head of the Agriculture Department at Mount Pulaski High School, was named Educator of the Quarter at the April School Board meeting. Allen, a 1986 graduate of Delavan High School, has been teaching for 25 years. He has an Ag Education degree from the University of Illinois and besides teaching a variety of Ag classes at Mount Pulaski High School, he is also the local FFA chapter sponsor.

Throughout his career Allen has had a major impact in shaping the lives of many youth throughout central Illinois. Allen has also earned the respect of his fellow teachers and at the recent board meeting, board member Deanne Mott read a statement from one of Allen’s colleagues. “Mr. Allen is a leader among other teachers and acts as a mentor to his colleagues. He is genuinely concerned about the success of the students and gives time both in and out of the confines of the school day. His work in teaching life skills that are immediately transferable outside the classroom has helped countless students in their pursuit of employment after graduation.”

Freshman Abigail Fitzpatrick nominated the beloved teacher for this honor and it’s obvious he has left a lasting impression on the young ag student. “Mr. Allen is a wonderful teacher for many reasons. He truly cares for the kids and he is passionate about what he teaches. He is very motivational and he is ALWAYS in a very good mood. I could go on and on about how he has opened my eyes to agriculture and how he’s had a positive influence in my life,” said Fitzpatrick.
Allen has long been a favorite among students at Mount Pulaski High School and continues to be one of the most down-to-earth people you will ever meet. Following the award he offered this, “It was an honor to receive it and it has been humbling reading what people are saying. I really don't feel like I do anything much different than many of the other teachers at Mount Pulaski and I am excited about seeing others in the district receive the honor as we move forward. I appreciate Deanne Motte coming up with the idea.”

When asked what makes his teaching method such an influence on students, Allen recalled a moment in his life several years ago that impacted him. “It was from a sermon I was listening to by John Maxwell and he said that there were two things he had learned about people. And this was from a guy who is very well educated and has spent a career working with people in ministry.”

Quoting Maxwell he said, “Number one, everybody wants to be a somebody; and number two, nobody wants to be a nobody.”

“I have thought about this a lot and it seems really simple but it is incredibly true, especially when dealing with high school students, but really people of all ages. Every day I try to remember that and try to treat all of my students like they are somebody. I know I don't always succeed at it but I give it my best. Sometimes it as simple a thing as just offering encouragement which goes along way with anyone,” said Allen.

A simple theory that carries a lot of truth to it and without a doubt, Allen has this teaching method down to an exact science, or agra-science, if you will.

Along with being recognized at the school board meeting, Allen was presented with a certificate and a $50 Johnson True Value Hardware gift card from the Mount Pulaski Board of Education. He was also given a traveling trophy for the honor. A plaque will be hung in the main office of each school with his picture on it as well.

Allen and his wife, Lori, a teacher at Mount Pulaski Zion Lutheran School, are the parents of four children. Their oldest daughter, Hannah, is set to graduate on May 14 from the University of Illinois, while daughter Rachel is currently a junior at the U of I. Daughter Elizabeth is completing her freshman at Purdue University and son Walker is in 5th grade at Zion.

In addition to teaching agriculture, Allen farms in the New Holland Middletown area.
Congratulations to Mr. Allen on this honor!

[Teena Lowery]